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He said: "It started last summer when I went on the market and did some cook offs - to raise money for charity mainly and to raise my new restaurant's profile.

"I've been to various food markets for research, such as the one in Camden and the one in Hull and I spoke to a few people who are already on there.

"Then I started approaching local businesses and so far I've got 16 signed up who said they will get involved over the next two or three months.

"And we've got even more getting involved in the new year after their existing commitments are out of the way.

"We're hoping to have eight or nine along for the first one on Saturday. We want it to grow from there - we see it as somewhere you can get the family down and there will be something different for everyone.

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"I'm looking for something that inspires the market and keeps it going - something for people to look forward to at the end of the month.

"It's about getting more bodies into Retford and breathing life into the market."

Lee is also planning to apply for a designated event notice so that in future markets, alcohol could be sold and consumed in a designated area.

The businesses confirmed for the inaugural run include baked goods from Jeanilious, formerly of Jeanilious Larder, sweet treats from Kacey's Candy Cones and Number 12 fudge, tex-mex tapas and paella from Reeba Reeba, delicious vegan food from GoV, hand made curry paste, chutney and jams from Ajika, a burger van with a German sausage machine and a surprise hot food stall selling hearty grub.

And local firm Remington Design and Writing has designed the festival's logo and is, among others, helping to promote the venture.

The food festival also has the support of Bassetlaw Council.

Cllr Jo White, cabinet member for economic development, said: “Retford Market is thrilled to have this opportunity to work in partnership with local restaurants, businesses and food producers and offer a diverse and exciting food market each month.

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“As part of this new section, stalls will be providing freshly prepared food, take-away meals and businesses will also showing the public how to make some of their best-selling dishes.

“Local businesses have taken a lead from successful food markets in other parts of the country and we hope this will help showcase the excellent restaurants, eateries and food producers that we have in the area.

“This is just one of the ways that we are working to make Retford Market as successful as possible by offering something different and interesting to our customers.”